Cardiac Surgery

Hackensack Meridian Health Jersey Shore University Medical Center has successfully completed the hospital’s first robotic-assisted minimally invasive Coronary Artery Bypass Graft Surgery (CABG) using the da Vinci Xi Surgical System, the most advanced surgical robot available. Jersey Shore University Medical Center is the first hospital in the region, and one of the only in the state, to offer robotic assisted Coronary Artery Bypass Graft Surgery (CABG) to provide patients with better outcomes, significantly reducing the traumatic impact and recovery for patients.

Coronary Artery Bypass Graft surgery (CABG)
Jersey Shore is the only hospital in New Jersey to receive 3-star ratings from the Society of Thoracic Surgeons (STS) in Coronary Artery Bypass Graph (CABG) surgery as well as CABG + Aortic Valve Replacement (AVR) surgery. Jersey Shore has expanded it cardiac capabilities by providing patients with Robotic assisted surgery, also known as closed-chest heart surgery. This procedure has revolutionized the way certain cardiac and vascular operations are being performed across the country. This innovative technology allows complex cardiovascular surgeries to be performed through smaller incisions and precise motion control, offering patients improved outcomes in comparison to the conventional sternotomy approach.

A traditional sternotomy, also known as open-heart surgery, is a vertical incision down the middle of the chest that separates the sternum (chest wall) to allow surgeons to access the heart. This standard type of procedure is known to have a long, painful recovery for the patient and leaves the patient with a large scar, as a constant reminder of their procedure.

Procedure The minimally invasive surgery requires three small incisions in the chest. The surgeon places thin surgical instruments and a specialized camera into the da Vinci XI robot. The surgeon uses the camera to view the surgical field and is provided with a clear, 3D view of the chest. The left internal mammary artery is gathered using the robotic instruments and is then connected to the blocked coronary artery either through the incisions already in place or through a small separate incision on the front of the chest.

Benefits of a Robotic Assisted CABG Surgery Robotic Assisted CABG procedures have revolutionized the way we view typical cardiac surgical procedures. This safe procedure requires three small incisions on the left side of the chest wall yielding the patient with:

Less blood loss

Shorter recovery time

Minimal scarring

Less trauma to the patient’s body

A decreased infection rate

Virtually no pain

Resume to normal activity within one to two weeks

A higher survival rate than that of a sternotomy patient

A New Option for Ineligible Patients Some individuals are unable to undergo a traditional sternotomy to treat their coronary heart disease, pending evaluation. Several diagnostic tests are performed to determine whether or not a patient is a candidate for this type of non-invasive procedure including an x-ray, CT scan, an echocardiogram and/or catherization. Some patients who are ineligible for a sternotomy include:

Those who have previously had surgery on their sternum and scar tissue has developed

Elderly patients who may not be able to withstand the procedure

Patients who are at risk of a stroke

Those who suffer from peripheral vascular or renal disease

Those who have poor lung function

About the Doctor

Specializing in minimally-invasive cardiothoracic surgery, Kourosh Asgarian, D.O., has extensive clinical and academic experience in advanced cardiac procedures. Dr. Asgarian prides himself on performing the newest and most advanced minimally invasive cardiac procedures. He is the only surgeon in the area to perform robotic CABG procedures and hopes to bring more innovative surgical procedures to Jersey Shore University Medical Center.